The Smoky Mtn Method harnesses over 70 years of combined experience from owner Gene Wolfenbarger and our dedicated trainers. With more than four decades in the dog world—first excelling in Treeing Walker Coonhounds before turning to English Labradors—Gene has built an exceptional foundation for both breeding and training, grounded in hard work and proven success. Below you’ll see our full purchase process, as well as more details and videos about our training. Please review before giving us a call!
READY TO BEGIN YOUR LABRADOR JOURNEY?
More Details:
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Our crate training program is designed for families who want a smoother transition when bringing their puppy home. Puppies in this program go home at 16 weeks instead of 10, giving us valuable extra time to shape healthy habits and routines. From 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day, our team provides attentive care, using positive, affirming methods that ensure the pups are well-socialized while still enjoying plenty of time to just be puppies. Some families worry they’ll miss the puppy stage—but trust us, you won’t miss a thing!
During this time, puppies are placed on a buffet diet to support growth, strengthen their immune systems, and help us monitor their health closely. By 16 weeks, they will also have received all of their necessary vaccinations, giving you peace of mind as they join your family. The extended program allows us to evaluate behavior, temperament, and growth, ensuring the best match for each family. Crates are introduced gradually as a positive boundary—never overnight—so puppies learn it’s a calm, restful place rather than a space for barking, playing, or accidents.
Because this program requires extra time and resources, the cost covers everything from feeding and supplies to vet runs and the extended stay itself. Thanks to the intelligence and eagerness to please that define English Labradors, they adapt quickly, and families consistently tell us the program is more than worthwhile.
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While we use a variety of crate sizes for training here on the farm, the crate we recommend and sell through our supply shop (or by phone order) is designed to grow with your puppy—so you don’t have to replace it every time they hit a growth spurt. It includes a movable divider, allowing you to adjust the space as your Labrador matures, keeping them comfortable while making life easier for you.
We also highly recommend the Kuranda bed, which we use with every dog on the farm. These raised beds fit perfectly inside the full-size crate, but they’re also great anywhere in your home. Because they sit off the ground, they help keep dogs cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by improving air circulation. They’re durable, easy to clean, and a favorite with our Labradors—providing comfort you and your pup can count on for years to come.
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Our behavior program is designed for families who want their Labrador to grow into a well-mannered, attentive companion both at home and in public. Puppies first go home with their families at 10 or 16 weeks (depending on crate training enrollment). When they reach 7–9 months old, we bring them back to the farm for a short evaluation before beginning their formal training.
From there, our head trainer in Nashville—who has years of proven experience—works with your dog through a 4–6 week course. During this time, they master the five essential commands: heel, sit, down, stay, and come, as well as proper leash manners. To ensure consistency, they are tested in both home and public environments, giving you peace of mind that your Labrador will listen and behave no matter where life takes you. Families who choose this program see their dogs return with greater focus, obedience, and readiness to thrive as true “gentleman’s dogs.”
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At Smoky Mountain Labradors, your puppy’s health and safety come first. We have been using the same trusted vet clinic since opening our farm, and they take wonderful care of our labradors. Every puppy receives a series of thorough veterinary exams—at 6, 9, 12, and 16 weeks—to monitor growth and administer vaccinations. If you choose to take your puppy home at 10-weeks they will only have received their first two examinations and the client is responsible for the additional necessary vet visits as they grow. As for the 16-week puppy, they will have received all their core vaccinations, including the rabies shot, and are considered fully vaccinated. This makes 16 weeks the safest age for them to go home, which is why 95% of our families choose this option. Puppies occasionally go home at 10 weeks, but because they are only partially vaccinated at that age, it is not recommended. With full vaccinations and more time under our care, the 16-week puppy is not only healthier and safer but also better prepared to transition into your family’s home.
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The 10-Week Puppy
Two veterinary examinations
First two sets of vaccines
Bordetella vaccine for kennel cough
USDA certification for legal interstate travel
AKC microchip (available for $85)
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The 16-Week Puppy
Four veterinary examinations
Full series of vaccines
Bordetella vaccine for kennel cough
Rabies vaccine + rabies tag
USDA certification for legal interstate travel
AKC microchip included in puppy packet
Still have questions?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Visit out FAQ page to learn more
TRAINING RESOURCES:
Crate Training: Part One
Crate Training: Part Two
Dog Training: Level One
Dog Training: Level Two
Level Two: Demonstration
